Coaching the Whole Athlete is more than just a coach education program, it is a way to re-envision the coach-athlete relationship through a lens of human development, holism, authenticity and agency. It is an understanding that each individual has value beyond their athletic ability and that how we engage as coaches with our athletes leaves a lasting impact on their psycho-social well-being, identity development and self-confidence.

One of the best way to understand and engage with this perspective is to share and hear from others' stories. The Coaching the Whole Athlete blog will provide a platform for athletes, coaches and others to contribute their perspective and reflect on how this resonates with their own experiences.

Read below for experiences, stories and insights!

(w)Hole in the Boat - Finding Myself in the Storm by Dustin Dailey, Director of Sport Performance Wake Forest WBasketball

Brianna Welch

Mar 265 min read

(w)Hole in the Boat - Finding Myself in the Storm by Dustin Dailey, Director of Sport Performance Wake Forest WBasketball

I’m done. 14 years of playing a game I loved summarized in two syllables, and that really hurt. I have never quit anything before in my...

716 views0 comments

Kristen Sharkey

Jan 298 min read

With Love and Genuine Intentions, You Always Win - Kristen Sharkey Syracuse Basketball

The biggest piece for me to be a great coach is to be a transparent human being. I make mistakes every day and I am learning and growing..

338 views0 comments

Recent NCAA Report on Mental Health Sheds Light on Student-Athlete Perceptions of Coaches Care and Concern

Brianna Welch

Jan 93 min read

Recent NCAA Report on Mental Health Sheds Light on Student-Athlete Perceptions of Coaches Care and Concern

A new NCAA study, based on responses from over 20,000 current student athletes, has helped to identify important trends from the...

16 views0 comments

Steve Barnes

Dec 20, 20236 min read

Disruptive Behavior?! by Steve Barnes, Associate Head Coach FSU Swimming & Diving

Taking the time to talk, learn, and acknowledge who each student-athlete is builds trust and displays investment in their well-being..

41 views0 comments

Who Am I If not me? - Former U.S. National Team & Head Coach at Duke, Megan Cooke-Carcagno

Brianna Welch

Oct 25, 20236 min read

Who Am I If not me? - Former U.S. National Team & Head Coach at Duke, Megan Cooke-Carcagno

I sat at a long table, the one typically used for team meetings and video sessions, with my elbows propping up my chin, as if my head was...

238 views0 comments

How is Human You? - By Katie Scanlon, Syracuse University

Brianna Welch

Sep 29, 20233 min read

How is Human You? - By Katie Scanlon, Syracuse University

College athletics, especially in today’s environment, can feel all-consuming. From traditional elements of the profession such as...

25 views0 comments

Brianna Welch

Sep 21, 20237 min read

A personal reflection on motherhood & women leaders in sports - by Brianna Welch

To the readers, You may have noticed there wasn’t a March newsletter for Coaching the Whole Athlete — it wasn’t because of lack of...

158 views0 comments

Dylan Welch

Feb 28, 20235 min read

Running through Memories - By Dylan Welch, former collegiate track athlete, Bowdoin College

I needed a space where I could empty myself of the desire to be “great,” and rid myself of external pressures and expectations..

289 views0 comments

University Streaming Platforms Present New Challenges & Opportunities For Coaches and their Athletes

Madison Granger

Feb 27, 20233 min read

University Streaming Platforms Present New Challenges & Opportunities For Coaches and their Athletes

..this additional avenue for fame and recognition may add incentive for student-athletes to lean more heavily into their sport identity

15 views0 comments

George Kiefer

Jan 27, 20236 min read

Beyond the X's and O's - by George Kiefer, Head Coach NC State Men's Soccer

..connecting with the athletes is what builds the camaraderie and a healthy culture and that then builds the foundation for everything else

72 views0 comments

The mishandling of Tua Tagovailoa’s head injuries & what it tells us about our flawed sports culture

Brianna Welch

Jan 17, 20233 min read

The mishandling of Tua Tagovailoa’s head injuries & what it tells us about our flawed sports culture

How many mistakes made, concussed athletes, or lives lost are needed in athletics until CARE for the human being becomes the first...

40 views0 comments

Prof. track athlete Alli Ostrander & her ongoing legacy of body image/mental health advocacy

Madison Granger

Jan 17, 20232 min read

Prof. track athlete Alli Ostrander & her ongoing legacy of body image/mental health advocacy

Each time Ostrander uses her voice, we believe she helps make others who are struggling feel more supported in taking steps towards recovery

72 views0 comments

Flow - Tapping into a state of being to achieve Peak Performance AND Happiness

Brianna Welch

Nov 30, 20225 min read

Flow - Tapping into a state of being to achieve Peak Performance AND Happiness

It feels like you are flying, like time has slowed down and you don’t even need to think to execute your plan, it all just happens.

114 views0 comments

Report Shines Light on Dehumanizing Culture at NWSL

Madison Granger

Nov 29, 20223 min read

Report Shines Light on Dehumanizing Culture at NWSL

Last month the world got a sobering and discouraging picture of what life has been like for many players on the National Women’s Soccer...

38 views0 comments

Kris Ganeff

Oct 28, 20224 min read

“It’s Not What You Know, It’s What You Do! Love Them First, Coach Them Second” - by Kris Ganeff

Truly take a look at your athletes and before you try to give them all the skill knowledge you know, stop and just love them first.

64 views0 comments

Adam Ginsburg

Sep 27, 20225 min read

Focus on the Whole Coach - by Adam Ginsburg

..we really need to be introspective first and know who we are as a person and a coach before we are fully able to coach others.

140 views0 comments

Duke Volleyball Player Endures Racial Heckling During Game Against BYU

Brianna Welch

Aug 31, 20223 min read

Duke Volleyball Player Endures Racial Heckling During Game Against BYU

It is extremely difficult to combat racism if we don't first look within and understand our own identities and privileges.

24 views0 comments

Adding Motivational Interviewing to Your Coaching Toolbox

Madison Granger

Aug 31, 20223 min read

Adding Motivational Interviewing to Your Coaching Toolbox

When coaches are able to help their athletes navigate ambivalence, they empower them to perform better and have more positive experiences...

37 views0 comments

Madison Granger

Jul 29, 20228 min read

How Are We Measuring Success? by Madison Granger, CWA Co-Facilitator and Business Development

When both administrators and coaches have gone through the program, they will finish with a clearer understanding of, and empathy for, each

61 views0 comments

Committing to Ongoing Learning: Opening ourselves up to feedback despite what we may receive

Brianna Welch

Mar 31, 20226 min read

Committing to Ongoing Learning: Opening ourselves up to feedback despite what we may receive

It takes a strong sense of self and a commitment to growth to hear others out..if we are able to develop this skill we will be better for it

69 views0 comments

One of the best way to understand and engage with this perspective is to share and hear from others' stories. The Coaching the Whole Athlete blog will provide a platform for athletes, coaches and others to contribute their perspective and reflect on how this resonates with their own experiences.

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Read below for experiences, stories and insights!

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